Diagnosing impingement syndrome is similar to the steps your doctor takes to diagnose tendinitis. Your physician will do a thorough physical examination of your shoulder and may ask you to go through certain movements, such as raising your arm above your shoulder. Your physician also may order x-rays to look at the front edge of your shoulder blade to check for calcium deposits — a condition called "calcific tendinitis." An MRI may be useful to show fluid or inflammation in the bursa or rotator cuff.

• Prepare for your doctor visit with the Shoulder Symptoms Checklist.

Initial treatment for an impinged shoulder usually includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Your physician also may recommend a corticosteroid injection.

If pain continues and your symptoms don't improve, your doctor may suggest surgery. The surgery is designed to remove any [no-glossary]bone spurs[/no-glossary] that are "impinging" the rotator cuff. Inflamed bursae may also be removed.

• If you and your surgeon decide on surgery, your surgeon can advise you if the surgery can be done arthroscopically. This form of minimally invasive surgery allows your orthopaedic surgeon to see inside your shoulder and to carry out procedures through tiny incisions in your shoulder. Recovery time generally is faster.